第９６９堀：予想するよ (Part2)
"……To be honest, I don't know. That is my answer. After all, the first envoy they sent was... well, you know how that went. A breakdown in negotiations is entirely possible. However, if they send someone even remotely reasonable, the moment they see our aircraft carrier, they shouldn't even consider starting a war with Weed or Sea-Cypho."
"Indeed. A sane person wouldn't go out of their way to create such an enemy."
"Assuming they are sane, that is."
"..."
Given the rather illustrious precedent, it is truly a situation where nothing can be said for certain.
"Ahem. Well, what I do know is that even if it comes to a fight, Weed will not be the one to suffer defeat. And if it comes to a dialogue, that, in turn, will work to our advantage. We will finally have a window for negotiation."
"True. It is a blessing to have a connection to talk to Hein, with whom there was previously no room for discussion... though, given their past attitude, it’s a delicate matter."
"I understand your sentiment, but the situation is changing. The fact that they dispatched a fleet to the Gusdo Kingdom could be interpreted as them finally getting serious. Having lost half their territory, it is possible they have finally shifted their perception of us from mere local rebels to a hostile nation."
"Hmm. After more than ten years?"
"It is unnatural, I admit, but given the corruption within that country, it is perhaps unavoidable. Besides, the previous dynasty that once ruled this continent also fell due to rebellion, and records show that war lasted for over twenty years. We should not be optimistic, but could this not be seen as a good omen for our victory in Zurable?"
As I said something I didn't truly believe, a dry, rattling laugh echoed from the radio...
"Ha! I never thought I'd hear such optimism from the mouth of Show. Since you are always the one to consider the worst-case scenario, I expected you to worry about the possibility of Yuki-dono and his people siding with Hein."
"No, if Weed intended to do that, we would have already been wiped off the map, capital and all. Weed has absolutely no need to join forces with the likes of Hein."
"That is true. There is no reason for them to team up with Hein."
Indeed, Weed has neither the reason nor the necessity to go out of their way to join hands with Hein. They possess the military strength to take on Zurable single-handedly.
"Furthermore, even if Hein tries to use silver-tongued rhetoric to win them over, I highly doubt Yuki-sama would be deceived. And as for them becoming our enemy, that won't happen unless we commit some act of treachery ourselves."
"Indeed. I trust in that as well. Yuki-dono understands such things. He wouldn't think to become hostile without cause. Not unless we were to oppress the people again. In that case, it is impossible for Weed to join hands with Hein."
"Impossible, indeed. At most, they will remain neutral."
"Hmm. Wouldn't that be a problem? It would be painful if the supply of trade goods and Magic Gear were cut off, wouldn't it?"
"I am aware. That is why we have established friendly relations with Weed and Sea-Cypho. I said 'neutral,' but we have already received the paperwork regarding the import of trade goods. They are unlikely to renege on that now."
"That is also true. There is no end to it if we start worrying about 'what ifs'."
"Precisely. Well, your concern is understandable, so I am considering ways to bind the two nations even more firmly together."
Yes, not just through paperwork, but by finding a way to make them think twice about ever making an enemy of our country.
"Oh? Is there such a way?"
"Yes. When the Hein envoy arrived this time, Yuki-sama deliberately mentioned something called the 'Mana Depletion Phenomenon'."
"Mana Depletion Phenomenon? What is that?"
"I am ignorant of it myself. However, it seems that is exactly why Yuki-sama and his people are staying in this land. In other words..."
"Are you saying we should offer to cooperate with this 'Mana Depletion Phenomenon'?"
"Yes. Well, we cannot say for sure until we hear the details, but considering Yuki-sama brought it up while dealing with Hein..."
"He was likely being considerate of us. He wouldn't want us to think he was leaning toward Hein under the guise of negotiation."
"Exactly. Therefore, I intend to deepen our friendship along those lines."
"Very well. I leave it to you. Well, depending on how things concluded with the Hein fleet, there are many..."
Just as His Majesty began to say that, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly echoed throughout the lord's mansion.
"Your Majesty. It seems the results are in."
"Oh. Given the time, is it via the radio?"
"Yes. If you'll excuse me, I will contact you as soon as I confirm the situation."
"I leave it to you."
With that, I calmly left the room to confirm the cause of the commotion.
What was the result of the negotiations between Weed and the Hein fleet?
Was it battle? Was it dialogue?
Or perhaps...